It used to be cable and satellite providers that were left to duke it out amongst each other. These mega corporations offered various services at prices that made television entertainment seem like a true luxury. Without their offerings you were relegated to six or so primary networks. They knew they held the power and they charged accordingly. That is, until the game changed. The world of streaming services quickly became as competitive as cable and satellite services.
When It Comes to Original Content: Netflix
In the past few years, streaming services have even started putting out their own content. This original content grants streaming services independent rights to unique material that won’t be shared across streaming platforms. Hulu Plus also creates some of their own content. They offer a quirky selection of reality television, comedies, dramas, and animated features. Their reality series Behind the Mask was nominated for an Emmy and Jim Henson’s Doozers features the lovable characters from the 80s children’s show Fraggle Rock. There are currently 16 series available, undoubtedly with more in the works. Each service offers interesting content but it’s clearly Netflix that is excelling in the market. Netflix offers the widest selection of original content with 68 current releases including new series, series reboots, and one-off films, documentaries, and standup comedy specials with many more in the works.
House of Cards and Orange is the New Black are not only successful as streaming content, but they are successful in their own rights. Both shows have gained so much attention, that their own popularity has garnered new Netflix subscribers based on word of mouth recommendations. The shows not only offer compelling storylines but they have each achieved award-winning status multiple times over. These two shows are just the beginning. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt has been so successful in under a month that Netflix already has Tina Fey working on the next season. Streaming content offers a new element of success – bing watching. The future looks bright for Netflix original content. Marvel’s Daredevil is scheduled to release on April 10, 2015 and it is expected to be a major hit. There are also three other Marvel creations in the works, which will definitely appeal to the comic book crowd. A series adaptation of Wet Hot American Summer will release this summer on July 17th and will likely be another binge-watch success. Netflix is also picking up where networks left off. Fans of shows like Arrested Development and Trailer Park Boys can see their favorites brought back to life after their lives were cut short by their former networks. Netflix could probably break the internet if they found a way to reboot Firefly.
Most Global Access: Netflix
Netflix, on the other hand provides service to 61.4 million subscribers globally in 50 different countries. This is particularly beneficial for those who travel internationally for business and for military members. Currently, you can view Netflix anywhere in North and South America but after that it is a little more limited. Europe offers the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Greenland, Norway, Germany, Finland, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Australia and New Zealand also have coverage but their services seem to be more limited. Hit shows like Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and Sons of Anarchy won’t be available in the Aussie service. In fact, each country has different access and availability. Content available in the United States won’t necessarily be available in other countries due to licensing restrictions. This works both ways though – there are movies and series you can access outside of the US as well. Language and subtitle restrictions may apply. For example, in Mexico some series may require you to display Spanish subtitles even if the audio is in English. Some subscribers may not be happy with this, but it’s not an option you can turn off.
Highest Quality: Netflix
If you’re going to pay for a streaming service, you might as well make sure you’re getting good quality. While your internet speeds have an influence on the quality you receive, the providers have to be able to offer the output to get the quality you’d expect with modern technology. Generally, the services use adaptive bitrate streaming to determine the quality of your video based on your internet speed.
Access to Recent Releases: Hulu Plus
Best Variety: Netflix
Variety is probably the single most important factor when it comes to choosing a streaming provider. Recent releases are great, but if you’re limited to what is currently streaming, you may find yourself running out of material. Hulu Plus is certainly slacking in this department. While they offer a unique selection of content, their older content and movie selection is dismal.
When it comes to options, Netflix is the clear winner. Experts estimate that Netflix offers twice, if not three times as much content as the competitors. Netflix has over a petabyte of content – that’s one million gigabytes with of television and movies for your streaming pleasure. With all of that content, it may be difficult to make a selection but Netflix has you covered. They offer a taste profile, allowing you to give movies and television a one to five star rating. Their algorithm works too. The more you rate, the better your recommendations will be. You really liked Weeds? Well you may also like these other “TV Dramadies.” The day you think there’s nothing to watch on Netflix is the day you need to go outside. Netflix: Starting at $7.99/mth or $95.88/yr for basic service on one television or up to $11.99/mth or $143.88/yr for premium service in HD and Ultra HD on up to four televisions. Hulu Plus: $7.99/mth or $95.88/yr
Part of the beauty of streaming service is the portability. Sometimes you just don’t have a television and an internet connection to enjoy your favorite series and films, but the apps allow you to enjoy them anywhere with 3G, 4G, or wifi.
The Winner: Netflix
SEE ALSO: 10 Best Chromecast Alternatives
What The Future Holds
